The Bethlehem Catholic golf team is small in numbers but it’s not going to stop them from competing, and having fun at the same time.

Head coach Mark Csencsits said his team of just seven has already picked up a couple of wins, after a winless season a year ago.

The team features three seniors and four underclassmen who are young and a bit green, but have already shown signs of improvement just a couple of matches into the season at this point.

“The new kids are putting the effort in to get better,” said Csencsits. “They will end up playing well the next 2-3 years after some teaching by me and some developing. Right now they are very green and young.

“We lose three seniors, so those four kids will be the future next year and I hope to get some new recruits and bigger participation. Some teams have 20 kids to pick from.”

Back for the Hawks are Chase Kelly and Evan Druckenmiller. Kelly is the team’s top player and is steady at that position. Druckenmiller is a solid player to matchup where he’s needed. Matt Peiffer is also a senior and is new to the team.

Xavier Lopez is a returning junior. Ethan DiLello and George Pavis are both sophomore, first-time players. Lopez is also an ice hockey player and Pavis has been a pleasant surprise so far.

Another pleasant surprise is freshman Derek Ostrosky.

Despite having a majority of younger kids, there is progress being made.

“I’ve seen progress just from the first match vs. now. Some kids have shaved 10-15 strokes off their scores,” Csencsits said.

While Csencsits is looking to recruit more kids for the future, there is a positive to having a smaller team right now.

“We’re a tight-knit group with just seven,” he said. “That means they get a lot of extra time and one-on-one teaching, kind of like a smaller classroom. It’s nice to have a small group in some ways but I want to generate more interest. There are a lot of other sports, but the kids here want to be here. I just want them to learn and have fun and take it beyond high school golf and play when they are older.”

In the end, Csencsits also wants them to keep things in perspective. He said he’s enjoyed watching them be nervous and quiet before the matching, but all comparing scores and talking at the end.

“I want them to enjoy themselves,” he said. “It’s just high school golf. It’s not the PGA tour. Just relax and have fun.

”That’s the exciting part. Seeing them all talking after the match and the big exhale at the end of the day. I want them to build confidence outside of golf, like in the classroom.”